The Cold Food Festival

The Cold Food Festival, also known as Hanshi Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival with a long - standing history. It usually falls a day before the Qingming Festival, typically around April 4th to 6th in the Gregorian calendar. This festival is rich in cultural significance and unique traditions that have been passed down through generations.

The origin of the Cold Food Festival is closely related to a tragic yet moving story from the Spring and Autumn Period. Jie Zitui was a loyal follower of Duke Wen of Jin. When Duke Wen was in exile, Jie Zitui accompanied him through hardships. Once, when Duke Wen was starving, Jie Zitui even cut a piece of meat from his own thigh to make soup for him.

After Duke Wen regained his throne, he wanted to reward those who had helped him during his exile. However, Jie Zitui, a man of integrity, declined the reward and chose to live in seclusion in the mountains with his mother. Duke Wen, in an attempt to force Jie Zitui out, ordered the mountains to be set on fire. But Jie Zitui, rather than coming out, clung to a tree with his mother and was unfortunately burned to death.

In memory of Jie Zitui's loyalty and self - sacrifice, people began to observe a day of mourning. On this day, they refrained from lighting fires and ate only cold food, thus giving rise to the Cold Food Festival.

Eating Cold Food

The most prominent custom of the Cold Food Festival is eating cold food. On this day, people prepare a variety of cold dishes and foods. Some common ones include cold noodles, cold pastries, and fruits. The practice of eating cold food not only commemorates Jie Zitui but also reflects the ancient people's respect for the tradition.

Cold Food Festival Sacrifices 

Another important custom is offering sacrifices. People visit the graves of their ancestors, clean the tombstones, and offer food, flowers, and wine. This is a way for them to express their respect and remembrance for their forefathers. The sacrifices during the Cold Food Festival are similar to those during the Qingming Festival, but the Cold Food Festival has its own unique historical background and cultural connotations.

The Cold Food Festival embodies the Chinese people's values of loyalty, integrity, and filial piety. Jie Zitui's loyalty to Duke Wen and his firm stance of not seeking rewards are highly regarded. The festival also serves as a reminder of the importance of family and the continuity of generations. By commemorating ancestors through sacrifices, people strengthen the family bond and pass on the family's cultural traditions.

In modern times, although the Cold Food Festival is not as widely celebrated as some other traditional festivals, its influence can still be felt. Some regions still maintain the tradition of eating cold food. Additionally, the cultural significance of the festival, such as the emphasis on loyalty and family values, continues to resonate with people. It serves as a link to the past, connecting modern people with their long - standing cultural heritage.

A. A day after the Qingming Festival.

B. On the same day as the Qingming Festival.

C. A day before the Qingming Festival.

D. In the middle of April in the Gregorian calendar.

A. He was afraid of being punished by Duke Wen.

B. He was tired of the political life.

C. He was a man of integrity and declined the reward.

D. He wanted to live a more comfortable life in the mountains.

A. Eating hot pot.

B. Eating cold food.

C. Lighting fireworks.

D. Singing and dancing.

A. Greed and selfishness.

B. Loyalty, integrity, and filial piety.

C. Laziness and disrespect.

D. Aggression and ambition.

A. It is completely forgotten.

B. It is as popular as other traditional festivals.

C. Its influence still exists in some aspects.

D. It is only celebrated in big cities.

Explanation: The passage clearly states that "It usually falls a day before the Qingming Festival." Option A is incorrect as it is a day before, not after. Option B is wrong as it is not on the same day. Option D is too general as it is around April 4th to 6th, not just in the middle of April.

Explanation: The passage mentions that "Jie Zitui, a man of integrity, declined the reward and chose to live in seclusion in the mountains with his mother." Option A is not mentioned in the passage. Option B is not the reason given. Option D is also not in line with the content as he chose seclusion out of integrity.

Explanation: The passage says "The most prominent custom of the Cold Food Festival is eating cold food." Eating hot pot, lighting fireworks, and singing and dancing are not mentioned as traditional customs of the Cold Food Festival. So option B is correct.

Explanation: The passage states that "The Cold Food Festival embodies the Chinese people's values of loyalty, integrity, and filial piety." Option A, C, and D are contrary to the values described in the passage.

Explanation: The passage says "In modern times, although the Cold Food Festival is not as widely celebrated as some other traditional festivals, its influence can still be felt." Option A is incorrect as it is not completely forgotten. Option B is wrong as it is not as popular. Option D is not mentioned in the passage that it is only celebrated in big cities.